Stage nine on Sunday 15 July is the day every rider had circled in their diary since the Tour’s route was unveiled: Arras to Roubaix.
The route to Roubaix is treacherous, lined with 15 sectors of pavé - cobbles – making up 21.7km of the 154km stage. Even if rain doesn’t intervene to grease the ground, the cobbles will inevitably cause havoc with the peloton.
Punctures and crashes are occupational hazards for riders on days like these, and although some don’t believe cobbles should be part of the Tour de France, there is no denying they bring huge added interest following a couple of uneventful days.
There have been four stages like this one in Tour history; every single one was won by a winner of the Paris-Roubaix classic. That is a promising omen for Peter Sagan, who won in Roubaix this year, and whose combination of exceptional bike handling and sprinting power make him the man to beat.
For most riders – especially GC contenders like Chris Froome, Richie Porte and Geraint Thomas – this is a day to survive, nothing more. The diminutive climbers, and particularly those from beyond Europe like Nairo Quintana, are most likely to suffer here on unfamiliar terrain but luck will play its part too. Those that stay close to the front have the best chance of avoiding trouble.
Follow the latest from stage nine below...
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